Government intervention after Kerala Kaumudi report; World Bank agreement to happen soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has decided on the posts of the departments for higher positions in the 'Kera' scheme for the protection of farmers. After 'Kerala Kaumudi' reported about the clash happening in the Rs 2,365.5 crore project, which includes a World Bank loan of Rs 1,655.85 crore, Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan intervened and entrusted three IAS officers and five KAS officers to run the project. The project implementation department came into existence with the order issued by Principal Secretary Dr B Ashok yesterday. The file was sent to the chief minister yesterday itself to appoint them on deputation. With the project management order, an agreement with the World Bank can be signed soon.

The dispute was in a scheme that would directly benefit five lakh farmers and indirectly benefit 10 lakh farmers. The project could not be started despite the approval of the central government and the World Bank because of this.

Dr B Ashok, Principal Secretary, Agriculture is the director of the project. IAS officers have been made joint and additional project directors. Five KAS officers have been given the post of Deputy Project director. All posts are appointed on deputation. The validity of the scheme is till March 2029. Officials from general administration, finance, agriculture, industry, IT and plantation departments are working on the project.

A state project management unit will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram and regional units will be set up in Kottayam, Thrissur and Kannur. Agricultural University, Kinfra and Startup Mission are the implementing agencies.

30 years for repayment

• The World Bank loan has a repayment period of twenty-three and a half years and a moratorium of six years. NAVARD will provide the state's share of Rs 709.65 crore.
• The project aims to protect the agriculture sector by producing value-added products, with the help of IT and providing climate-resistant farming practices.